Mini-Tummy Tuck in Gainesville, FL

While exercising can often give people the bodies they desire, sometimes no amount of exercise will be good enough. When this is the case, more people are opting for a mini tummy tuck, also known as a partial abdominoplasty.

Gainesville Plastic Surgery Centers

Designed to tighten muscles in a person's abdominal wall and flatten the abdomen by getting rid of extra skin and fat, mini tummy tucks differ from traditional tummy tucks. Generally recommended for patients who are within 10 percent of their ideal body weight, the procedure is minimally invasive and done on an outpatient basis. Performed on patients whose fat deposits are located below their belly button, mini tummy tucks differ from full tummy tucks in that the navel is usually not removed or cut into. Where full tummy tucks require an incision around the belly button and across the lower abdomen, mini tummy tucks require a much smaller incision across the lower abdomen and do not alter the belly button. In many cases, doctors use liposuction to remove the excess fat located below the navel, thereby letting them tighten the muscles between the navel and the pubis.

The best candidates for mini tummy tucks are people who have had swings in weight gain and weight loss, and also women who have had children and are unable to rid themselves of stubborn fat deposits in their abdomen. Candidates should also have good skin tone and elasticity, be emotionally stable and have realistic expectations of how they will look after the surgery. In addition, they should also understand that despite being minimally invasive surgery, there are nevertheless risks associated with a partial abdominoplasty. Though very rare, infections, blood clots and bleeding under the skin flap can happen. However, those most at risk of these complications are those with diabetes, heart disease, poor circulation or lung or liver disease.

When preparing for a mini tummy tuck, the first step should be to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. For patients living in Florida who are interested in a mini-tummy tuck Gainesville FL is the location of the Poser Plastic Surgery Center, headed by Dr. John Poser. A board-certified surgeon with over 30 years experience, Dr. Poser is experienced in all major cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries and can help answer any questions potential surgery candidates may have. 

If surgery is determined to be a viable option, the doctor will ask you to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery and two weeks after surgery to allow for maximum healing. No special diets are required, but plenty of rest is recommended. The surgery generally takes two hours, and it's a good idea to have someone with you the first night after surgery. Complete healing may take several weeks, but most patients report no problems after surgery and are able to resume normal activities within a few weeks. So if you are considering a mini-tummy tuck Gainesville FL has Dr. John Poser and his staff ready to assist you with this important step.